Rwanda welcome back two key players

Jean Bertrand Iradukunda of Rwanda during the 2021 Chan football match between Morocco and Rwanda at Stade Reunification Stadium, Douala, Cameroon on 22 January 2021 ©BackpagePix

by Graeme Jackson

Sunday Jan 31, 2021. 10:00

Rwanda have been boosted by the news that key players Eric Zidane Nsabimana and Bertrand Iradukunda will be available for their African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinal against Guinea this evening.

The two players have recovered from their respective knocks and will be fit to face the Syli Nationale at the Limbe Stadium.

Amavubi earned their spot in the last eight by finishing second behind Morocco in Group C, capped off by a dramatic 3-2 win over Togo this past midweek.

“I am so happy that Iradukunda and Nsabimana are back from injury,” Mashami is quoted by New Times. “It means that now we will have more options in midfield.”

However, Mashami will have to re-jig his defence, with Thierry Manzi missing due to respiratory problems.

The coach added that he knows full well how tough Guinea will be to beat, but remains hopeful of claiming a place in the CHAN semifinals for the first time in Rwanda’s history.

“Tuesday’s victory gave us confidence; we will go into the match [against Guinea] with a mission to win. We are aware of the challenge, but I believe we can proceed to the next round,” explained Mashami.